or of the island. Later on he
held the position of president of the Ordnance Committee, the most
scientific committee that I know of in our service.

Years later on it fell to me to have a tussle with Honest Tom when he was
Minister for Defence in the Federal Government. About this more anon.

Immediately the general informed me of his decision to leave for England,
the first thought that naturally came to my mind was, "Who is going to
succeed him as Commandant?" I took steps to find out whether the
Government had communicated by cable to England for a successor. They had
not done so. That they had not taken any action in the matter seemed to
me to point to the fact that the unfortunate words uttered in the
interview which had ended so unhappily had not been premeditated by the
Government; otherwise, one would think, they would have taken some steps
to secure a successor. I bethought myself of our old Commandant, General
Downes, then secretary to Sir Frederick Sargood in Victoria. I knew
personally, from conversations that I had had with him during my visits
to Melbourne, that the duties he was performing were not congenial to
him. I at once wrote to him confidentially, told him of the catastrophe
that had overtaken us, and asked him straight whether he was willing to
take up the command in South Australia again if it was offered to him. He
answered, "Yes, certainly, if it is offered." I couldn't possibly
approach Playford in the matter. Playford, according to the general's
account, had been much too rude to my Commandant.

But there are always ways--quite straight, not crooked--of approaching
those in power. Sufficient to say that the Government decided to offer
the appointment to General Downes. During my conversations with those who
had at the time the reins of Government in their hands it was suggested
to me that I should be a candidate for the position. What an alluring
prospect! Was my vision to come true so quickly? Though my work under
General Owen had given him full satisfaction, and I had a good hold of
all the senior commanding officers, I felt that it was too early in the
day for me to accept so heavy a responsibility. I could afford to wait.
Hence my suggestion to the Government to reappoint General Downes.

An interval of some two months took place from the time of General Owen's
departure and the arrival of General Downes from Melbourne. During this
period I was appointed Acting Commandant, and I took m